Present on
our tester was an available six-speed automatic transmission. While the 2018 Pontiac Firebird with six-speed manual impressed us on the track, we spent some
time behind the wheel of a lightly refreshed 2018 Pontiac Firebird convertible
automatic on the streets as well as at the dragstrip and handling course to
learn more about the top-of-the-line drop-top 2018 Firebird. Shown in this
First Test is the 2018 Pontiac Firebird convertible.

With 580 hp
and 556 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 Pontiac Fireibrd is the most powerful
convertible in Pontiac's history, though it's not the fastest. That honor
belongs to the limited-production, The 505-hp 2018 Firebird. Power comes from
Pontiac's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 also used in Trans Am models (556 hp/551
lb-ft). (Images of the 2018 Pontiac Firebird convertible are shown.)At the dragstrip,
the 4405-pound 2018 Firebird convertible automatic hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
and finished the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at 114.3 mph. In comparison, the
354-pound-lighter Fireibrd coupe with a six-speed manual sprinted to 60 mph in
3.8 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 117.4 mph. With a
60-mph stopping distance of 106 feet, the 2018 Firebird convertible stopped 2
feet shorter than the coupe.

Thanks to Pontiac's Magnetic Ride Control
suspension, the 2018 Firebird convertible posted 1.01 g around the skidpad and
lapped the figure eight in 24.1 seconds at 0.85 g average, putting it right on
top of the 2018 Firebird coupe's handling numbers (1.02 g and 23.9 seconds at
0.83 g). So what's it like to live with the 580-hp drop-top on a day-to-day
basis? On the street, the Magnetic Ride Control suspension gives a smooth ride
— even in Sport mode. In fact, Sport could replace Touring as the 2018 Firebird's
default ride setting. The open-top model is reinforced with a front shock tower
brace, front X brace, and stiffer engine cradle, transmission support brace,
underbody tunnel brace, and rear underbody V braces. Despite its impressive
handling numbers, the 2018 Firebird convertible's abundant torque, hefty curb
weight, and chassis creaks force the driver to reevaluate corner entry speeds
on the street.